Starting today,Star Wars: Episode VIIImoves out of Pinewood Studios in London for an on-location shoot inDubrovnik, Croatia, where they have been prepping a local street corner and souvenir shop. We now have word fromMaking Star Warsthat this may actually beMaz Kanata’s new Castle and/or Cantina. As of now, it isn’t known which actors will be on set for the shoot. It was previously rumored that the scenes being shot in Dubrovnik would includeBenicio Del Toroas an as yet unidentified character along withCarrie FisherasGeneral Leia. Earlier reports claimed thatDaisy Ridley’sReyandMark Hamill’sLuke Skywalkerwould also be present. But it was stated this past week thatDaisy Ridleywill not be participating in these shoots.
Digital Nomadshave a video from the set, shot before filming begins on March 9. The main street has been transformed into a futuristic looking planet with hints of a 16th century facade. While exteriors are being filmed leading into the weekend, the participating cast members won’t be showing up for two more days, arriving this Friday, March 11.
Making Star Warshas a second report about an exciting land speeder chase and a possible water landing for the Millennium Falcon. A tourist vessel dubbed the Sea Star is said to be draped with blue screens for further CGI manipulation. Moored at a pier in the Gruž harbor, the ship’s upper deck is suspected to be used as an aquatic landing platform, which is suggested by the props that surround it. And in Dubrovnik, technicians were seen building a silver land speeder. Pylons near the speeder are said to be cracked and damaged, hinting at a chase and crash sequence that will take place on the streets.
The Dominican Monastery is the building you see in the videos below, decked out in neon lights. This street location has been referred to as the Exotic City. This term was the same term used for Maz Kanata’s Castle and Cantina inStar Wars: The Force Awakensas it was shooting. And that has led many to believe that this location will be Maz’s new establishment. But that hasn’t been confirmed. These locations will all later be augmented by ILM in post-production.
It is also being reported thatStar Wars: Episode VIIImay head back to Ireland next, but not for more shoots on Skellig Michael Island. The production is currently scouting locations in County Donegal. The speculation is that this will be used for the planet Ahch-To, which is mostly covered in water, with numerous rocky islands blanketed with green trees. It is the current home of Luke’s Jedi Temple, which we see at the end ofStar Wars: The Force Awakens. And this definitely could lend credence to the idea that we’ll see more spaceships surrounded by and landing on water. you may take a look at the Dubrovnik set in the photos below. Is this Maz Kanata’s new place of residence?
